Isotope separation of Potassium with a magneto–optical combined method
Zixuan Zeng, Shangjin Li, Bo Yan()
Interdisciplinary Center of Quantum Information, State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation, and Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Quantum Technology and Device of Physics Department, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Due to the similar physical and chemical properties, isotopes are usually hard to separate. On the other hand, the isotope shifts are very well separated in a high-resolution spectrum, making them possible to be addressed individually by lasers, thus separated. Here we report such an isotope separation experiment with Potassium atoms. The isotopes are independently optical pumped to the desired spin states, and then separated with a Stern–Gerlach scheme. A micro-capillary oven is used to collimate the atomic beam, and a Halbach-type magnet array is used to deflect the desired atoms. Finally, the 40K is enriched by two orders of magnitude. This magneto–optical combined method provides an effective way to separate isotopes and can be extended to other elements if the relevant optical pumping scheme is feasible.
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